POW-MIA Flags

Quick Overview

Symbol for POW-MIAs. Can be flown by civilians whenever they wish.

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Details

The idea of a symbol for POW-MIAs was initiated in 1970 by Mary Hoff, an MIA wife and member of the National League of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia felt we needed a symbol for our POW-MIAs. Graphic artist Newt Heisley, a World War II veteran who flew missions in the Pacific, was assigned to the task just at the time his son, Jeffrey, returned home ill from Marine training at Quantico. Jeffrey’s gaunt appearance became the inspiration for the silhouette. It remains one of the most popular organizational flags flown in the United States.

According to the 1998 Defense Authorization Act, the POW-MIA Flag will fly each year on Armed Forces Day (3rd Saturday in May) … Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) … Flag Day (June 14) … Independence Day (July 4) … National POW-MIA Recognition Day (September 19) and Veterans Day (November 11). It will be flown on the grounds or the public lobbies of major military installations as designated by the Secretary of Defense, all federal National Cemeteries, the National Korean War Veterans Memorial, the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the White House, the U.S. Post Offices and at official offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense,and Veterans Affairs, and Director of the Selective Service System. Civilians are free to fly the POW-MIA Flag whenever they wish.

The two-spun polyester fabric has greater wind resistance than nylon. It is ideal for extreme weather conditions with durability, strength and fly-ability but without excess weight.

Nylon is the most popular flag material and offers both durability & beauty. Outdoor flags have strong canvas headings and brass grommets. Indoor flags are finished with flannel-lined pole hems, Velcro® tabs and either gold or silver fringe.

A single seal flag is correct on one side; reverse on the other. A double seal flag reads correctly on both sides.